Phil Hill

Phil Hill has passed away. There, I said it–something I hoped would never cross my lips. There are some great men who we wish would never leave us, and Phil Hill is just such a man. Anyone that knows anything about racing knows Phil Hill was one of racing’s greatest icons.

In the history of the international Formula 1 Grand Prix Championship, the highest prize in the world, only two Americans have taken home the coveted GT Crown: Phil Hill in 1961 and Mario Andretti in 1978. Phil was the first American to win the classic 24 Hour race at Le Mans, the first American to win three times at Sebring, the first American to win a modern championship Grand Prix and finally become the first American Champion. Besides a list of accomplishments too long to list, between his sports car and Grand Prix victories, Phil Hill won more races for the Ferrari team than any other driver to date.

My son Will and I are truly blessed that we both got to spend a day with Phil. Will said to Phil, "Mr Hill, what an honor it has been to meet someone like you who has won so many championships, great races and endurance races." Phil put his hand on Will’s shoulder, leaned over and said, "Yeah, but I never won a 25 hour race like you guys did." He was all about making those around him feel special.

Phil loved racing and did everything he could to make sure everyone around him enjoyed it as much as he did. As we walked around the paddock we came up to a car that was on display, and in front of it was a placard describing how many races the car had won driven by Phil Hill. When the man seated next to the car saw us examining it he began telling us more about the car and it quickly became apparent he didn’t realize he was talking to Phil Hill himself. After we walked away I asked Phil why he didn’t tell the man who he was. Phil said, "I have never seen that car in my life." Then I asked why he didn’t set him straight and he said, "Why? Besides, someone probably sold him the car telling him all those lies and who am I to ruin his day? Let’s just let him go on living his dream."

Dreams about racing are in fact what Phil Hill left us with. Thank you Phil. God’s speed.